Winter flu epidemic warning

The flu virus can cause misery

Doctors have warned that Scotland could be hit by its worst flu epidemic in 20 years.

Thousands of people died from flu-related illnesses last winter, yet the outbreak was not regarded as an epidemic.

Now GPs are urging those who still have not been immunised to be vaccinated immediately before the start of the "flu season".

The National Health Service was stretched to breaking point in January this year.

Some 3,000 people died during what was described at the time as Scotland's worst flu outbreak for a decade.

Half a million people have been immunised

Hospitals buckled under the pressure as intensive care units ran out of beds.

However, the outbreak did not reach "epidemic" proportions.

Doctors said it was typical of what Scotland can expect to see every few years and have warned that it is this year that they are concerned about.

Flu epidemics tend to come in 20-year cycles - and the last one hit Scotland in 1980.

More than half a million people in Scotland have already been vaccinated as part of a £10m immunisation programme.

But GPs are warning that there are still many more in the at-risk group who need to be vaccinated immediately.

More spending

Health Minister Susan Deacon announced plans for Scotland's largest ever flu immunisation campaign in September.

She said the programme would include posters, television advertising and leaflets to let the public know of the service.

Spending on intensive care beds, one of the areas worst affected in January, has also been stepped up.

Ms Deacon said: "Last winter I saw some of the worst levels of infection in flu that there had been for many, many years.

"We don't know what any winter holds, but I can certainly assure Scots that as much that can be done, has been done in the current winter and I think that that's a very important step forward."